Former NHL all-star Eric Staal is retiring after 18 seasons.
The Carolina Hurricanes announced Tuesday that Staal had signed a one-day contract to retire as a member of the organization that originally drafted him No. 2 overall in 2003 and won a Stanley Cup with him three years later.
The Hurricanes said they will retire Staal's No. 12 jersey in the upcoming season.
''From the time I arrived in Raleigh at 18 years old and throughout my 12 years there, I felt the love and support of the fans and organization in a way that will always feel special to me," Staal said in a statement. "There was no doubt in my mind that when it became time to hang up my skates, I would want to retire as a Carolina Hurricane. To now also know that the team is retiring my No. 12 is truly humbling and I am extremely grateful and honored.''
Staal, 39, had 455 goals and 608 assists over 1,365 games in a career that included stints with the New York Rangers, Minnesota, Buffalo, Montreal and Florida. Staal last played for the Panthers in the 2022-23 season, his last game coming in the Stanley Cup Final.
Staal played in six NHL All-Star Games, earning MVP honors in 2008.
Staal made a quick mark on Carolina with 45 goals and 55 assists in his second NHL season for the only 100-point season in Carolina history in 2005-06. That team, captained by current Carolina coach Rod Brind'Amour, went on to win the Cup — with Staal assisting on Justin Williams' empty-net clincher in Game 7 against Edmonton.
Staal holds franchise records since the former Hartford Whalers relocated to North Carolina in 1997 for most goals (322), assists (453), points (775), games played (909, power-play goals (105), power-play points (252) and hat tricks (13).
